Navi Mumbai Minor Blackmailed After Obscene Instagram Video Call; Police Hunt for Accused

Navi Mumbai, June 24, 2025:

In a deeply troubling incident that underscores growing concerns about online child exploitation, a minor girl from Vashi, Navi Mumbai, was allegedly blackmailed by an unidentified man who secretly recorded obscene footage of her during an Instagram video call. The police have launched a full-scale investigation and are actively trying to trace the accused.

According to officials, the man first befriended the girl on Instagram, gradually gaining her trust before initiating video calls. During one of these calls, he reportedly used screen recording tools to capture explicit visuals without her consent. He later threatened to release the footage publicly unless she complied with his demands, which remain under investigation.

Initially too scared to report the incident due to fear of public embarrassment and societal judgment, the girl ultimately informed her family. A formal complaint was lodged at the Vashi police station, following which a case was registered under multiple provisions:

The Navi Mumbai Police have begun analyzing digital evidence, including the victim’s phone and social media records, and are working in coordination with cyber experts and Meta (Instagram’s parent company) to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

A senior police officer noted, “We are leaving no stone unturned. Such crimes leave lasting psychological scars on young victims. We urge families to remain alert and supportive in such situations.”

This case once again shines a spotlight on the dangers lurking on social media, especially for young users. Authorities have issued a public advisory encouraging parents to closely monitor their children’s online interactions and regularly educate them about the risks of engaging with strangers online.

Investigations are ongoing, and police have appealed to anyone with relevant information to come forward.